Coach Dan Majerle made a couple of changes to his starting lineup. He got his players to work the ball more inside. He had them flying around on defense.

Four days after one of its worst performances in a 68-60 loss to St. John's, Grand Canyon turned in its best in an 87-53 victory Saturday night at GCU Arena.

"That's a dangerous team we played," Majerle said. "They went to Georgia Tech and beat them. We knew they would present a problem and play zone. We did a really good job of moving the basketball early, getting to the paint and not settling for jump shots. We took the jump shots when they were there."

Sophomore wing Oscar Frayer and freshman forward Roberts Blumbergs didn't start. Fiifi Aidoo and Alessandro Lever took their spots. Lever, 6-foot-10, was able to get into the paint and make smart decisions, getting the ball to open teammates.

Senior point guard Casey Benson was more aggressive and more precise on his passes than any of his previous seven games as an Antelope. He had seven of his eight assists in the half.

And forward Keonta Vernon's power surge returned. Vernon scored 19 points, making all eight of his shots, a few on dunks, and pulled down six rebounds in his best game of the season. He keyed GCU's first half, building a 39-21 lead, shooting 58.6 percent and forcing 11 turnovers.

Vernon, who was 0 for 6 from the line against St. John's, even hit an 18-footer.

"It was a lot easier for us, going inside to outside to hit the outside shot," Vernon said.

GCU was shooting 59 percent and had 34 points in the paint, while building a 30-point lead with 10 minutes left. GCU shot less than 40 percent in each of its past three games when it went 1-2.

Three takeaways

The bench was great, especially the play of forward Matt Jackson and point guard Shaq Carr. Jackson made his only two shots, and Carr hit both of his 3-pointers and had six points and two offensive rebounds. Carr, who had 11 points, was great in the lane, drawing defenders to him and finding Vernon, his former junior college teammate, for easy baskets. Gerard Martin, a long guard, was very good defensively, causing Grambling State (3-6) to make just 1 of 11 3-pointers and shoot 30 percent from the field in the first 35 minutes. Majerle ended up using his entire bench.

Senior guard Josh Braun was back to being himself, shooting with confidence and being the aggressor. He had 13 points, five defensive rebounds and a block. He made 3 of his 7 3-point attempts. Braun didn't hesitate once he had the ball down low, making strong moves for baskets.

This was Jackson's best game since returning this season from back surgery that caused him to miss all of last season. Jackson was an integral part of Majerle's lineup two seasons ago because of the way he could stretch the floor with his outside shooting. He knocked down a 3 with a little under 12 minutes to play that gave the Antelopes a 59-32 lead. His first-half minutes were quality. He was even better in the second half when he knocked down two 3-pointers. He made his first four shots and finished with 12 points.

Stat line

After making just 16 of 91 3-pointers in the past three games, the Antelopes (6-2) made eight of their first 21 on Saturday.

Final word

"We were just trying to get a win. We were trying to get everybody to shoot better. We couldn't worry about the past." – Vernon

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: A.J. Harris #12 of the New Mexico State Aggies shoots a layup against Matt Jackson #5 of the Grand Canyon Lopes during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Sam Wasson, Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Zach Lofton #23 of the New Mexico State Aggies shoots against Allesandro Lever #25 of the Grand Canyon Lopes during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Sam Wasson, Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Joshua Braun #2 of the Grand Canyon Lopes and Jemerrio Jones #10 of the New Mexico State Aggies battle for a rebound during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Sam Wasson, Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: Head coach Dan Majerle of the Grand Canyon Lopes gestures to his team during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament against the New Mexico State Aggies at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Sam Wasson, Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: A.J. Harris #12 of the New Mexico State Aggies drives to the basket against Keonta Vernon #24 and Casey Benson #11 of the Grand Canyon Lopes during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Sam Wasson, Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 10: A.J. Harris #12 of the New Mexico State Aggies shoots a layup against Keonta Vernon #24 and Casey Benson #11 of the Grand Canyon Lopes during the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
Sam Wasson, Getty Images

Grand Canyon cheerleaders perform a flip following a free throw against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon students during the basketball game against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon students during the basketball game against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Rickey Holden (2) of the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners shoots against Gerard Martin (42) of the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Keonta Vernon (24) of the Grand Canyon Antelopes grabs a rebound against Justin Mccall (11) of the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon players share a laugh during the basketball game against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Justin Mccall (11) of the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners drives to the basket against Matt Jackson (5) of the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

The Grand Canyon Antelopes watch the game against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Rickey Holden (2) of the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners drives to the basket against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

A the Grand Canyon cheerleader cheers during the game against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Head coach Dan Majerle of the Grand Canyon Antelopes motions to his team against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Head coach Rod Barnes of the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners during the game against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Oscar Frayer (4) of the Grand Canyon Antelopes shoots a three-pointer against the the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman, Billy Hardiman/for The Republic

Head coach Dan Majerle of Grand Canyon Antelopes during the game against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Head coach Dan Majerle of Grand Canyon Antelopes shakes hands following Grand Canyon's win against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Joshua Braun (2) of Grand Canyon Antelopes high-fives fans following Grand Canyon's win against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Keonta Vernon (24) of Grand Canyon Antelopes during the game against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon student Shelby Langston leads the student section against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon students Tyler Guenette and Acacia Bailey flip hair during the game against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Matej Kavas (5) of Seattle Redhawks shoots a three-pointer against Oscar Frayer (4) of Grand Canyon Antelopes at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon students direct chants towards Devin Booker during the game against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Keonta Vernon (24) of Grand Canyon Antelopes and Josh Hearlihy (13) of Seattle Redhawks box out during the game at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Keonta Vernon (24) of the Grand Canyon Antelopes shoots against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon Antelopes Marching Band plays during the game against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Joshua Braun (2) of Grand Canyon Antelopes drives to the basket against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Grand Canyon students cheer prior to the game between the Grand Canyon Antelopes and the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Keonta Vernon (24) of the Grand Canyon Antelopes shoots against the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Jared Dudley of the Phoenix Suns during the game between the Grand Canyon Antelopes and the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

Phoenix Suns players Jared Dudley and Devin Booker sit court side during the game between the Grand Canyon Antelopes and the Seattle Redhawks at Grand Canyon University on Thursday, February 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Billy Hardiman/Special for The Republic

GCU's head coach Dan Majerle calls out for a bench player after an injury to Keonta Vernon during the second half against New Mexico State at GCU Arena on January 11, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) recovers a steal and passes from the floor as New Mexico State's Jemerrio Jones (10) hurdles him during the second half at GCU Arena on January 11, 2018 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

Louisville forward Anas Mahmoud (14) attempts to work his way into the lane through the defense of Grand Canyon forward Alessandro Lever (25) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Timothy D. Easley, AP

Louisville forward Dwayne Sutton (24) reacts to being called for a foul after attempting to steal the ball from Grand Canyon guard Joshua Braun (2) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville won 74-56. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Timothy D. Easley, AP

GCU's Casey Benson (11) calls out to his teammates while dribbling up court against Longwood's JaShaun Smith (21) during the first half at GCU Arena on December 21, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) and Longwood's Damarion Geter (24) tie up the ball as Frayer drives to the hoop during the first half at GCU Arena on December 21, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) and Longwood's Damarion Geter (24) tie up the ball as Frayer drives to the hoop during the first half at GCU Arena on December 21, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Joshua Braun misses a shot against St. John's in the second half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Keonta Vernon strips the ball away from St. John's Shamorie Ponds in the second half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Keonta Vernon battles for position with St. John's Marvin Clark II in the second half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Casey Benson lays on the court during their loss to St. John's during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Oscar Frayer jumps to the basket against St. John's in the first half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon head coach Dan Majerle reacts against St. John's in the first half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Shaq Carr lays out for the shot against St. John's Kassoum Yakwe in the first half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Fiifi Aidoo drives against St. John's Justin Simon in the first half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon's Oscar Frayer jumps to the basket against St. John's Tariq Owens in the first half during the Valley Of The Sun Shootout on Dec. 5, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports

GCU's head coach Dan Majerle looks up at the scoreboard with his team down against San Diego during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Casey Benson (11) passes against the defense of San Diego's Juwan Gray (12) during the second half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) passes against the defense of San Diego's Juwan Gray (12) and Alex Floresca (15) during the second half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

San Diego's Isaiah Wright (22) scores past the defense of GCU's Keonta Vernon (24) during the second half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's head coach Dan Majerle instructs his team after a foul against San Diego during the second half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) is greeted by Casey Benson (11) and Alessandro Lever (25) after a dunk against San Diego during the second half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) and San Diego's Isaiah Pineiro (0) go up for the tipoff during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Casey Benson (11) dribbles against San Diego's Cameron Neubauer (20) during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

San Diego's head coach Lamont Smith reacts to a foul called against his team during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Casey Benson (11) reacts after scoring and drawing a foul against San Diego during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Joshua Braun (2) passes out of defense from San Diego's Juwan Gray (12) during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

GCU's Oscar Frayer (4) drives the court against San Diego's Juwan Gray (12) during the first half at Grand Canyon University on Saturday, November 25, 2017 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Jerry Colangelo (left) shakes hands with GCU board member Jack Henry during a reception for the new Jerry Colangelo Museum at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. September 20, 2017. Colangelo turned Phoenix into a major-league sports town, revived USA Basketball and led the renaissance of the area.
Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Jerry Colangelo greets guest during a reception for the new Jerry Colangelo Museum at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. September 20, 2017. Colangelo turned Phoenix into a major-league sports town, revived USA Basketball and led the renaissance of the area.
Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Jerry Colangelo (left) shakes hands with GCU board member Jack Henry during a reception for the new Jerry Colangelo Museum at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. September 20, 2017. Colangelo turned Phoenix into a major-league sports town, revived USA Basketball and led the renaissance of the area.
Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Jerry Colangelo (center) greets guests during a reception for the new Jerry Colangelo Museum at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz. September 20, 2017. Colangelo turned Phoenix into a major-league sports town, revived USA Basketball and led the renaissance of the area.
Michael Chow, Michael Chow/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon University men’s basketball player Gerard Martin strikes poses for a videographer in a smoke-filled gym at the school, Wednesday, September 6, 2017, as part of media day.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

Members of the Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team, including head coach Dan Majerle, middle, suit, strike poses in a smoke-filled gym at the school, Wednesday, September 6, 2017, as part of media day.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

Grand Canyon University men’s basketball player Kerwin Smith strikes poses for a videographer in a smoke-filled gym at the school, Wednesday, September 6, 2017, as part of media day.
Tom Tingle/azcentral sports

Saturday's game

Grambling State (3-5) at Grand Canyon (5-2)

When: 7 p.m.

Where: GCU Arena, Phoenix.

TV/Radio: YurView Cox 4, 1580 The Fanatic, 99.3 FM.

Update: Grand Canyon has lost two off its last three games, but both losses were against teams with winning records (San Diego, St. John's). ... The Antelopes's last three games have been their three worst shooting performances. They've made just 16 of 91 3-pointers in the last three games combined. ... Grambling State has won three of its last four games, including a 64-63 win at Georgia Tech. It is coming off a 111-95 win against Tougaloo College. Ivy Smith Jr., Diontae Jones and Axel Mpoyo each are averaging double figures scoring for the Tigers.